Following on from last week’s news rumours, it seems there’s a further development in the story linking the Hammers with a move for Flamengo’s Ecuadorian winger Gonzalo Plata.

Clearly the South American transfer rumour mill – especially regarding Flamengo – is in overdrive at present with the stories surrounding a possible move ‘back’ for West Ham’s Lucas Paquetá – but confirmation of the interest came from UK’s sportwitness.co.uk  in a report on Monday evening:

West Ham-linked player drops London hint after “farewell party”

Runs the SW headline, detailing the news that:

“Plata hosted a “farewell party” at his house yesterday. It followed the usual rules. Phones were left aside, and the atmosphere stayed private.

However, during the gathering, the winger reportedly hinted to a few guests that he was heading to London…Does London mean West Ham, and does this link in any way to the ongoing background involving Lucas Paquetá? [Flamengo insider] Cotta stated that West Ham are indeed the club in question.”

It all seemed to have gone very quiet regarding the Paquetá sale but of course, some kind of cash plus player option may well suit the Hammers.

 Officially, it has already been denied that there is any kind of ‘player exchange’ being orchestrated to facilitate Lucas Paqueta’s West Ham exit.

It isn’t a piece of news that will stay silent for long – so expect more in the next 24 hours if this is one transfer likely to progress before the end of the English window. Flamengo will, no doubt, be delighted if Plata becomes someone else’s problem. Our article last winter was something of an exposé on the ‘Ecuadorian bad boy’:

Reports that Flamengo’s board feel increasingly frustrated with Plata’s behaviour, especially after he went to a nightclub days before crucial matches. The club now intend to hear offers in the January 2026 transfer window.”

Add into the mix three red cards in recent weeks and something of a hot head off the pitch. Sounds like a problem looking for a way out and exactly what the Hammers do not need just now.

Oh dear…… I wonder if Nuno reads Claret and Hugh – it might not be too late..